Adjusting a suit jacket

I've had a number of suits and jackets from a particular maker over the last 10 years or so. So confident in size, that I had bought them online a few times.

Last father's day I got a classic grey pinstriped suit. Love it. However, either they've slimmed the cut or I've filled out a little (umm... take your pick). I was pretty much between sizes, and decided to go up in size.

Mistake. It's a just a little too big on me through the chest. Yes, I'm picky. How much can this be adjusted?

If money weren't an issue, I'd just go get another that I like... but I'm still in grad school (humanities, even) with a young family. I'll consider selling it on the 'bay, but I'd love to keep it if I can make it fit.

Re: Adjusting a suit jacket

Big through the chest can probably be adjusted by a good tailor without too much detraction from the original build. I've routinely gotten 36R slim-cut suits tailored down to what basically is a 34R chest.

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Re: Adjusting a suit jacket

Tailors can't really do anything about the chest per se. What they can do is take the waist of the jacket in, i.e., around the buttoning point. As a general rule, I'd say you can take it in up to about half a size (e.g., 42 to 41) before it starts to look unbalanced. And, of course, they can't really do anything if it's too big in the shoulders either. If you need it taken in a full size or more, it's probably not worth it.

Re: Adjusting a suit jacket

Yeah, I've definitely considered the math. The hang up is whether I want *this* suit (I really like it, sentimental reasons since it was a Father's day gift, etc.). Thanks for the tips. I would need to take it down about half a size, but I really don't want to risk throwing off the overall balance. We'll see. Thanks again for the comments.